Forest Road 4723
Usa, north-america
1 km
3,240 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Want a quick thrill in the Utah mountains? Forest Road 4723 in San Juan County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a short but seriously high mountain road, one of Utah's loftiest, topping out at a lung-busting 10,629 feet.
Clocking in at just over half a mile, don't let the short distance fool you. This gravel track can get pretty gnarly with rocks and tricky sections. And heads up: the weather here is WILD. It can change on a dime, and closures are common. Four-wheel drive isn't just recommended; it's essential. Seriously, only tackle this when it's dry. Wet or dark conditions turn this from a challenge into a nightmare. If you've got any breathing issues or heart problems, maybe skip this one. The altitude and extreme weather are no joke, any time of year. But if you're prepared, the views will take your breath away (in a good way!).
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,240 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
easyA paved road to the top of Whiteface Mountain in New York
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: cruising up the highest paved road in all of New York! We're talking Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway (aka NY 431), just outside Wilmington in Essex County. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This 8-mile stretch is a total climb, taking you up to a whopping 4,599 feet. Built back in '35, it’s a toll road that’s open from June to October, so plan your trip accordingly! The road is paved, but get ready for some seriously steep sections. We're talking gradients maxing out at 11%! You'll gain 3,562 feet in elevation, averaging over 8% grade, so your car will definitely feel it. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to reach the top, but honestly, you'll want to budget way more time. The views are insane! As you snake through the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness, each viewpoint is more breathtaking than the last. The final five miles are particularly epic, with the landscape morphing into an alpine wonderland. Once you reach the parking lot (the road's end), you can hike or catch an elevator to the very top. And trust me, you'll want to! Up there, you'll find a castle built of stone, a restaurant, and a gift shop, plus 360-degree panoramic views that stretch for hundreds of miles. On a clear day, you can spot the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and even the skyscrapers of Montreal! Seriously, this is a drive (and a view) you won't forget.
hardHow dangerous is Road Mexico 45?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, so you're heading from Queretaro to León in Mexico? Buckle up, because Mexico 45 is a wild ride! This highway is the main artery for pretty much all traffic coming from northwest and northern Mexico (and the US!), so it’s always buzzing. This stretch of "El Bajío" valley is booming, which means industrial parks, shops, and new construction are popping up left and right. But, sadly, the infrastructure hasn't kept pace, making this one of the trickier roads in the country. Think non-stop traffic, impatient drivers, and pavement that's seen better days, all combining for a white-knuckle experience. Word on the street is they average a couple of accidents *every single day*. Yikes! On the plus side, you'll be cruising through the heart of Mexico, passing by major cities like Irapuato, Salamanca, Silao, and Celaya. Plus, you’re up in the highlands, enjoying views at an average elevation of 1,750 meters. Just keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and maybe say a little prayer!
moderateWhere is Austin Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Washington state? You HAVE to check out Austin Pass! This baby sits pretty high up in the Cascades, inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, at 4,668 feet. You'll find it in the very northwest corner of Washington, practically waving to Canada. The drive up is totally paved on SR 542, so no need to worry about your tires. But don't get too comfy! It’s got some seriously steep parts and hairpin curves that'll keep you on your toes. The pass itself stretches for about 2.6 miles from the Mt. Baker Ski Area (Heather Meadows Base Area) all the way up to the stunning Artist Point — which, by the way, is even higher at 5,140 feet! Word to the wise: because it's so close to the Canadian border, Austin Pass is only open for a short window. Usually, you can hit it up from July until the first big snowfall, which usually happens around late September or early October. Trust me, the views are SO worth planning your trip around!
moderateWhere is the Anniversary Mine Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in southern Nevada, near the California border, ready for an off-road adventure. Anniversary Mine Road in the Muddy Mountain Wilderness (Lake Mead area) is calling! This isn't your Sunday drive – you'll need a high-clearance vehicle, and honestly, 4WD is your best bet. It's a loop, kicking off and ending on NV-167 (Northshore Road). The eastern side is usually in decent shape, thanks to occasional maintenance. But things get interesting when you hit Lovell Wash – it can get pretty deep, especially after rain. Why bother? Well, the views are killer, and you'll climb up to 2,122 feet. Plus, you'll find yourself near an active mine, some cool campsites, the Ore Car Mine, and trails like the Anniversary Narrows Route. History buffs, take note: you're driving through mining history from way back in 1921 when they were digging for Borax. Just remember, the road dips in and out of the Lake Mead area, so be aware of your surroundings. And hey, tempting as it might be, stay out of the mines! Safety first, adventure second.